verb · neutral

realize

UK/ˈrɪəlaɪz/US/ˈriːəˌlaɪz/RE·al·ize

Band 5-6speakingtask2

to become aware of or understand something

Examples

I didn't realize the test was today.

She realized she had left her phone at home.

We only realized the problem after checking the data.

Band 8 sentence

I only realized the environmental impact of my choices after reading several scientific articles.

Collocations

  • realize that + clause
  • suddenly realize
  • realize one's mistake

Word family

realize verbrealizes/realized/realizing verb formsrealization nounrealistic/realizable adjective

Common mistakes

I realize that many people has the same idea.I realize that many people have the same idea.

She realises yesterday she lost her keys.She realized yesterday that she had lost her keys.

Say it for a higher band

5know6notice7+realize

Synonyms

notice

become aware

Easily confused

notice

I noticed a stain on my shirt before the meeting.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In -ize

Learn it with its set